Fishing Cruise Itinerary

Sunday, Day 1 : FORT WILLIAM TO BANAVIE

At 4.00 p.m. we meet at the Lime Tree Hotel in Fort William and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Banavie. Champagne Welcome followed by a short cruise to Neptune's Staircase of locks. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - BANAVIE TO GAIRLOCHY- Sea Angling in Oban (6 hours)

After breakfast we transfer you for the first time to meet your ghillie. For a complete Scottish fishing experience, you will sail from Oban, to perhaps hook a cod, pollack or gigantic skate. The scenery is breathtaking and the fishing equally awe inspiring as the most extraordinary fish are landed. Return to the barge for a cruise past the 13th century Urquhart Castle and Bay and our mooring at Gairlochy. Return to the barge for dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - GAIRLOCHY TO INVERGARRY - Wild Brown Trout (8 hours)

This morning you are transferred once again to meet your ghillie. Depending upon the time of year and conditions, guests will either fish a local river or a loch. You spend the day with excursions to different local lochs and or rivers with guidance throughout. The Scottish Highlander crew provide a picnic lunch, with wine, by the Loch half way through your day. When the fishing has finished you will return to Scottish Highlander late afternoon and enjoy a cruise along the tree lined canal avenue and across Loch Lochy, past forest and mountain scenery, to Invergarry and moor beneath the Invergarry Castle ruins. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 - INVERGARRY TO FORT AUGUSTUS

A day off from fishing today. This morning we cross stunning highland countryside via tiny lochs and Glen Morriston and Shiel to romantic Eilean Donan castle, setting for the film Highlander. On our return we stop for a dram or cup of tea at Tom Doun Trout Fishing Inn overlooking spectacular Glen Garry. We then cruise across enchanting Loch Oich and to the village of Fort Augustus where we ascend the 5-lock flight. We moor opposite 14th century Fort Augustus Abbey at River Oich pier with time to wander the village and visit antique and craft shops. We also show you the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center and see an original '30's film of the Gondolier, one of the fastest passenger paddle steamers of its time. Dinner ashore at Inchnacardoch Lodge built in 1878 as a Hunting Lodge for Lord Lovat of Lovat The Gaelic meaning of "Inch na Cardoch" is "Island of the Cherry Tree" and the man made island, or crannog, of the name is the only island on Loch Ness.

After breakfast the crew transfer you once again to meet your ghillie. Scottish lochs are ideal hunting grounds for salmon, a wild, rugged and exciting fish to catch, which is why Loch Oich has been chosen for today. Many of the rivers in this part of Scotland can be adversely affected by afforestation and hydroelectric power projects. Nevertheless, salmon of at least 10lbs are frequently caught in this neck of the woods. Picnic lunch is again provided by the crew, next to the loch. Depending on when you decide to finish fishing you may be able to join Scottish Highlander as she cruises Loch Ness. Since 565 AD, when St Columbus saved a swimmer from a hungry but somewhat shy monster, regular sightings have been recorded! Dinner on board.

After breakfast the crew will transfer you to the loch for a boat fishing excursion on the Loch Ness with tuition and guidance on tactics and flies to catch trout, salmon and ferox. The morning is spent practising the techniques of fly fishing. Round off the day with a few more casts and maybe a fish or two to take back for dinner. Tonight we are often entertained by our local piper and a enjoy a wee dram before the Captain's Farewell Dinner Aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 - DOCHGARRACH TO INVERNESS

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Inverness.

NOTES:

Available for Charter of 6,7 or 8 passengers only. Includes 6 nights on board Scottish Highlander, full board, open bar, all wines, excursions, entrance fees, local transfers, use of barge facilities, fishing fees, permits, tackle, flies, bait, access, wellies and a full-time ghillie. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own fishing tackle, waders etc should they prefer.

Fishing Cruise Prices are available on request and are dependent on how many people in your charter will be fishing and therefore how many will require the services of a professional ghillie and what fishing equipment they will require for their cruise.

Guest will have the opportunity to experience casting with the BRUCE & WALKER British made hand-built rods of the very best produced graphite and carbon. Bruce and Walker rods are the most frequent choice of professional anglers, ghillies, gamekeepers, casting instructors and coaches.

In the interest of conservation we maintain a policy of returning all wild Atlantic salmon and wild brown trout to their natural habitat, but for 1 brown trout per day.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.